UNCF Savannah Mayor’s Luncheon Launches the Resurgence of UNCF in Savannah and the Coastal Region
Luncheon reintroduces UNCF’s key initiatives and garners community support
SAVANNAH, G.A,, May 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hosted by the Honorable Van Johnson, mayor of Savannah, the enthusiastic crowd of 250 guests attended the UNCF Savannah Mayor’s Luncheon on May 11 on the campus of Savannah State University. The event reintroduced the community to the 78-year history of UNCF building bridges toward quality education for our young people.
The luncheon achieved its goal raising over $50,000 to help all students get to and through college. Mayor Johnson, an HBCU alum of Savannah State University, spoke on the subject, “If Black Lives Matter, HBCU’s Must Matter.” His remarks were inspiring, humorous and spoke to the importance of HBCUs and the indelible impact they have had on the lives of many minorities and why it is imperative that we continue to educate our contingency. He also noted that our HBCUs are intentionally inclusive and offer a high-quality education to all students.
Tiffany Wright, a Savannah State University theater and performing arts major, reflected on her experience attending an HBCU and the difference it has made in her life. She also expressed deep gratitude for the mission of HBCUs and UNCF.
UNCF Regional Development Director Justine Boyd acknowledged the sponsors of the luncheon. This included presenting sponsors Wells Fargo and Georgia Power, as well as other major sponsors, The Wesley Family, Gulfstream Aerospace and First African Baptist Church. In her remarks, Ms. Boyd noted, “Many of you may not know that UNCF serves over 60,000 students annually at over 1,000 different colleges. While our primary focus is our 37 private HBCUs, we also have UNCF scholarship recipients at our sister public HBCUs and PWIs.”
During the 2020-21 academic year, UNCF awarded $6,732,895 and 928 scholarships to students residing in the state of Georgia. It should be noted that all students are eligible to apply for UNCF scholarships and may do so by visiting uncf.org/scholarships.
The room was filled with community leaders, executives, dignitaries and members of the faith and Greek communities with greetings from the esteemed Dr. Kimberly Ballard-Washington, president, Savannah State University.
The UNCF Savannah Leadership Council was integral to the success of the luncheon and included business, faith and civic leaders from the community. UNCF plans to make this an annual event with a greater focus on scholarships for Savannah residents and Savannah State University. For more information, please contact Rosalind McGinnis, UNCF area development director, rmcginnis@uncf.org.
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*About UNCF*
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities. Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter @UNCF.
CONTACT: Monique LeNoir
United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF)
202-810-0231
monique.lenoir@uncf.org